(a) Any State agency responsible for highway-rail grade crossing safety and/or highway and road safety may become a recognized State agency by submitting an application to the Associate Administrator that contains:

(1) A detailed description of the proposed scope of involvement in the quiet zone development process;

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) who may be contacted to discuss the State agency application; and

(3) A statement from State agency counsel which affirms that the State agency is authorized to undertake the responsibilities proposed in its application.

(b) The Associate Administrator will approve the application if, in the Associate Administrator's judgment, the proposed scope of State agency involvement will facilitate safe and effective quiet zone development. The Associate Administrator may include in any decision of approval such conditions as he/she deems necessary and appropriate.